Ascalon Retires After Serving 38 Years in Conference

Story by Cinthia Portanova

Andre Ascalon, who retired at the end of 2022, served in the New Jersey Conference (NJC) for 38 years—20 years as a lay pastor and 18 as a full-time pastor, alongside his wife, Hillary. “My wife has been the most integral part of my ministry. This is a match made in heaven,” says Ascalon. “I think she is everything to my ministry.”

Ascalon holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology and a Master of Divinity from Luther Rice College & Seminary (Ga.). He recently retired from the U.S. Army with 41 years of military experience—24 years in active duty and 17 years in the National Guard. He shares that his 17 years of military chaplaincy experience has helped him better serve his church family.

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READ MORE ABOUT ASCALON IN OUR "ADVENTISTS IN THE MILITARY" FEATURE

Ascalon, who pastored in the Newark district, served the First Newark English church, the first Seventh-day Adventist church in the largest city of New Jersey. Last year, he baptized a new member every month, finishing his last Sabbath prior to retiring with yet another baptism.

“I am thankful to the conference who has allowed me to live my dream and passion to serve the church. I have no regrets and no remorse,” says Ascalon. “If I were younger, I would do it all over again the same way. To marry future parents, to watch children be born into the church, to bless them, baptize them … no money can ever bring the satisfaction of seeing a soul give their lives to God’s kingdom.”

Ascalon shares these words of advice with new pastors entering ministry: “Be authentic, never make an excuse for doing your job, be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be. Be creative, love your members, don’t forget your family, and always keep the Lord before you and stay prayed up.”

The NJC leaders thank the Ascalon family for their many years of service, asking God to continue blessing them in their next chapter of life.